"It's just fantastic. The support of everyone here tonight - we're over $420,000 and we're punching well above our weight across the country. It's humbling, it's refreshing, it's people wanting to make a difference and that's what it's all about," he said.

Three weeks ago, only 50 CEOs had signed on and about $50,000 had been pledged.

Mr Bouffler says it's an amazing effort.

"I think we'll get to $500,000. This is the first time we've held this event and it just shows how many people care and how many people want to make a difference in the community."